Low Vision

What is low vision?

Low vision is a condition in which a person suffers from loss of vision, which traditionally cannot be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. It doesn’t involve total blindness as the person has some amount of sight remaining, but in varying degrees, ranging from blind spots to complete vision loss. Various eye conditions or injuries are responsible for low vision.

What are the types of low vision?

The common types of low vision are:

• Central vision loss: blur or blind spot in the central vision, while side vision is intact. Inability to see ahead although mobility is unaffected.
• Peripheral (side) vision loss or tunnel vision: inability to see from one or both sides, or above or below the eye level, while central vision remains intact. Ability to see ahead although mobility is affected.
• Blurred vision: near and far objects are out of focus
• Generalised haze: complete viewing field seems to be covered with a film or glare
• Extreme light sensitivity: glared and/or washed out image even in normal light, with pain or discomfort
• Night blindness: inability to see at night or in dimly lit areas

What causes low vision?

Most people develop low vision with age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration (retinal damage), and glaucoma (optic nerve damage). Diabetes is also a leading cause of low vision. Rarer conditions such as eye cancer, inherited disorders of the eye such as retinitis pigmentosa , and impaired brain function due to stroke or injury can also result in low vision.

How is low vision diagnosed?

To diagnose low vision, your eye doctor will collect detailed information on your family history and functional problems you may be facing while carrying out daily activities. You may need to undergo preliminary tests to assess ocular functions including colour and contrast sensitivity. Your doctor will ascertain the level of impairment, depth perception and visual fields using various magnifiers, charts and lighting.

What is the treatment?

People with low vision can use many optical and non-optical tools that help in managing the daily activities easily. Low vision aids include telescopic glasses, light filtering lenses, magnifying glasses, magnifiers, video magnification and reading prisms. Non-optical aids include text-reading software, check writing guides, high contrast and talking clocks and watches, large-print reading material, and big numbered devices.

There are also newer surgical techniques to address low vision. Dr Chiu can assess your suitability for this.

Vision rehabilitation

Vision rehabilitation will help you make maximum use of the residual vision that you already have. It is designed to teach you practical ways to adapt and minimise disability. Vision rehabilitation programs will train you to use low-vision devices, orientation and mobility, and support you to live independently. The purpose of vision rehabilitation programmes is to increase your degree of independent living and functional ability , which has a positive impact on your quality of life.

Treatment for vision impairment is more effective when diagnosed early. Having regular eye examinations is essential for early detection of low vision. You should see your eye specialist as soon as possible if you notice impairment in your vision.